How did you first get into Taekwon-Do?

Back in 1987 or '88 I wanted to take up Taekwon-Do at a class I saw advertised in Wood Green. I was looking for a martial art that wasn't Karate or Judo because everybody seemed to be doing those at the time. But Taekwon-Do was different. Most people I mentioned it to had not heard of it and it sounded good. So I went up to a session with a couple of friends to check it out. I really enjoyed the class and I knew that Taekwon-Do was for me - but at the time, my parents couldn't afford to pay for the classes. So I had to wait until '92 when I was studying and also working to be able to afford classes for myself.

How long have you been training?

I started training in April 1992 in Islington instructed by Master Donato Nardizzi 7th Degree, who was a 5th Degree at the time. I trained twice a week at first but increased this after about a year to 3 and 4 times a week very regularly. The extra sessions were taken by Mr Denis in Southgate and Hammersmith. Almost nothing stopped me training including injuries, long journey times and other work and social activities. Taekwon-Do came first - always. This annoyed several girlfriends over the years who became ex-girlfriends as a result! Let no-one say I haven't made sacrifices for Taekwon-Do! I achieved black belt in March 1996 at the first attempt. I could have graded to 1st Degree sooner than that, maybe a year to 18 months earlier, but I was competing a lot at the time and I was in no real hurry to get black belt.

Have you ever used Taekwon-Do in anger?

Who inspired you and who do you admire?

The person I looked up to the most in my first few years of training was Master Nardizzi my first instructor. Now, I most respect Mr Thomas Denis, my current instructor. What you look for in an instructor is someone who is going to take you to the next level of development. In general, I admire all those who practice the art with diligence and skill.

What is your greatest achievement?

That's a tough question. Achievements come in all guises and there have been a few milestones over the years. In 1997 I seriously damaged my knee performing a jumping kick. Recovering from the knee surgery following that, attending countless physio sessions and getting back into training rates as a significant achievement for me. It would have been easy to walk away from any activity that led to such an injury. I had to ask myself "How much does Taekwon-Do mean to me? Why should I take such risks with my health in future?" But here I am, still in training, because Taekwon-Do is a major part of my life.

In sparring, winning my first tournament as a green belt in 1993 was a great moment for me. Once I won that first event, I grew in confidence and proceeded to win many colourbelt sparring championships over the next 3 years. I won a number of Patterns Gold's as well. Winning this years UKTA Open Championships is also significant for me as the win came after a long absence from competition. I felt like I'd been rolled hard and put away wet when I stepped in the ring to fight. But I threw my thing down and performed well, and I'm looking forward to doing equally well in future competitions.

But I am fairly sure that the school in Kentish Town will prove to be my proudest achievement. If it continues to grow and stays successful, I will be a happy man.

Why did you decide to open a school? What qualities do you want to impart to students?

I believe in discipline, the hard-work ethic and the proper understanding and application of techniques. I have seen too many junior grades practicing techniques in a manner that shows that they have no clue what the action is for. It is most important to me that the student understands the purpose and proper execution of each technique that is learned. The blocks and strikes are not just shapes in the air - each movement is a technique aimed at a target and must be learned and performed as such. That is why I emphasize pad work in my classes, giving the student lots of opportunity to practice techniques properly.

Overall standards in Taekwon-Do - are they better or worse than when you started?

Standards are as variable as they have ever been. I have seen the odd red belt who should still be a green belt and I wonder by what magic they achieved their rank. However, from what I have seen in recent tournaments, standards are generally good.

Who is the best opponent you have faced in competition - at any weight?

Unfortunately, I haven't been head-to-head with the best fighters in the country or Europe in competition. I am hoping that tournaments coming up in October and November will provide that opportunity. However, as a colour belt, there was David Francis of the UKTA. He fights with lots of aggression and energy and that really tested my own determination. As a black belt, Daniel Wallace of Newcastle. Good movement and fast counter attacks make him a sharp opponent.

The performance of patterns best demonstrates a students skill in Taekwon-Do. Who for you best performs patterns in the UK?

Well, the person who has most demonstrated to me the beauty of patterns is still my first instructor Master Nardizzi.

Is teaching TKD your main job or a hobby?

Taekwon-Do Excel is currently a second career to my main job as director of an IT company. I enjoy both jobs and I have no plans to teach Taekwon-Do full-time. But you never can tell...

What are your aims for the future?

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